Chelsea could make an attempt to sign Athletico Madrid‘s goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Diego Simeone has not ruled out the departure of their shot-stopper.
REPORT: Diego Simeone Doesn’t Rule Out Jan Oblak Departure
Blues Interested in Slovenian Shot-Stopper
Frank Lampard is interested in signing Slovenian international Jan Oblak. The Blues boss would have to stump up a large fee in order to get the keeper to come to Stamford Bridge.
It is likely that they would have to break their own world record transfer fee for a goalkeeper. This would surpass the £71.6 million that brought Chelsea’s current number one, Kepa Arrizabalaga, to the club in 2018.
Yet, as Sky Sports cite other newspaper sources, Kepa could now become part of a deal to sign Oblak in order to reduce the transfer fee.
Simeone Hasn’t Ruled Out Oblak Sale
Athletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone did not rule out the departure of the 27-year-old when speaking to the press last week.
The Argentine told Cadena SER that: “It is normal that they want a goalkeeper of the characteristics and value that Oblak has and it doesn’t surprise me because he is very good. For us, he is decisive, very important in the dressing room, he is our captain.
“Year after year he has managed to evolve in all the matches, from goalkeeper to his handling with the group, and hopefully he can continue with us,” Simeone added.
“It is normal to always look for the best, and we have many who are very good, some previous seasons [some] have left, others have stayed, and it is logical and normal for a footballer like Oblak to be loved by anyone.”
However, despite heaping praise on his number one, Athletico’s manager failed to rule out his departure this summer. This has put many in West London on red alert.
Chelsea Keen on ‘Player-Plus-Cash’ Deal for Oblak
The Blues are considering a ‘player-plus-cash’ deal, including Kepa, in order to reduce the cost of the deal. Lampard has been disappointed by his current first-choice goalkeeper as of late and would be willing to let him depart.
At just 25-years-old, some would say that the Spaniard has yet to reach his prime. However, it appears that Lampard is open to their record signing leaving after just two years. This clearly demonstrates how much the Chelsea boss admires the Slovenian international.
The ex-Benfica goalkeeper has played over 250 times for the Madrid side during his six seasons there. Oblak signed a new four-year contract with Los Rojiblancos last year, with a release clause of approximately £109 million.
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